This project is a critical end user project to seek independent third-party assessment of the suitability of various downstream ancillary components (e.g. pipes, fittings and devices) for use with hydrogen. This work is expected to focus on due diligence, evaluating the compliance of various product ranges with relevant standard(s) providing the required evidence on the suitability for use with hydrogen, and inform the need for further testing or evaluation to ensure safe and reliable gas installations. This study will support SGN decision making regarding the use of these components on SGN H100 Fife downstream pipework installations in customer properties.
Due to their extensive expertise in this field, BSI- a Notified Body for CE marking, an Approved Body for UKCA marking, and owner of BSI Kitemark certification, have been identified as a suitable partner for executing this project. BSI offers a range of testing and certification services including new product development, pre-assessment, gap analysis, batch testing and full compliance testing giving us confidence in their capabilities for comprehensively undertaking this investigation.
The project will consist of following 2 work packs and final reporting:
· Work pack 1 - Collect and Assess Evidence (32 product ranges)
· Work pack 2 - Investigate and Identify Alternatives (up to 11 product types)
· Reporting of findings (3 reports)
Phase 1 - Specifically, the primary objective of this work is to identify three specific brands or product ranges for each product type in various sizes (15mm, 18mm, 22mm, 28mm, and 35mm) that are compatible with 100% hydrogen gas while ensuring universal compatibility with natural gas.
Phase 1b - Aims to ensure the compatibility of these products with 100% hydrogen gas and natural gas, providing assurance for safe and reliable gas installations. The reporting of these findings will also help identify any evidence gaps and inform the need for any potential further testing or evaluation to ensure safe and reliable gas installations.
Benefits
This investigation ensures the compatibility of various ancillary products (e.g. pipes, fittings and devices) with 100% hydrogen gas for downstream installations which can benefit and help the safe operation of not only H100 but also any potential future projects such as the Town Pilots and the roll out of hydrogen.
Learnings
Outcomes
The projects is very close to completion. The outcome of this project is a comprehensive report which details suitability of each evaluated product and evidence supporting the suitability. Furthermore, the project initiated discussions and encouraged some manufacturers to certify their components to hydrogen which has given them the opportunity to participate in the H100 trial while also helping H100 with certified ancillary components that were not previously certified for use with hydrogen.
Lessons Learnt
Learnings from this project have highlighted the importance and benefits of using the help of a subject matter expert to identify and assess suitable components for ensuring safe and reliable gas installations. The project has significantly helped SGN in decision making regarding the use of these components on SGN H100 Fife downstream pipework installations in customer properties. Furthermore, it has helped identify not only component gaps but also some procedural gaps. For any future trial where there is lack of information on the compliance of various product ranges with relevant standard(s), a similar activity is recommended.
